No. 1 Northfield has edge with confidence, talent

When Paul Bernhard entered Northfield's gymnastics room last fall as the Raiders' new co-head coach -- he married last year's coach, Melissa Cummins, and the couple combined the head coaching duties -- he knew he was walking into an enviable situation. After all, Northfield was the defending Class 2A team champion and had most of its lineup coming back.

But Bernhard, who previously coached at Lakeville South, admits to being stunned at the level of talent he discovered. And he became positively giddy when he learned that the Raiders would be welcoming six new, accomplished gymnasts from the Northfield Gymnastics Center.

"We have so much talent and skill here," Bernhard said. "This team could compete with any team in the nation. It's unbelievable. I never fathomed having a team this skilled."

Northfield is the No. 1-ranked team in Class 2A heading into the state gymnastics meet Friday and Saturday at the U Sports Pavilion. Team attitude has made life easy for Bernhard; the Raiders approach meets like they were spending the day at the mall -- light, breezy and carefree.

"This team does not give in to pressure," he said. "They know they're good, but I don't think they know just how good they are. They just go out and do their thing."

Class 2A: No foregone conclusions While Northfield deserves to carry the banner of favorite, three other teams have legitimate Class 2A team title aspirations.

With a senior-dominated lineup and a recent history of postseason woes, Cambridge-Isanti has the tools and motivation to win the program's first title.

After a handful of down seasons, Park of Cottage Grove is back, thanks to the addition of two high-level club gymnasts in Kasondra Tulloch and Rachel Deephouse.

Don't overlook Roseville. After four record-setting championship seasons from 2006 to 2009, Roseville finished second last year. After the Raiders posted a 149.5 score in the Section 4 meet, Bernhard thinks they pose a real threat.

"I honestly think Roseville might give us a run," he said.

Class 1A: Perham goes for No. 8 Perham has not simply won the last seven Class 1A team tournaments, it has owned them. The Yellowjackets under coach Charlie Fleck have rarely been challenged and are ranked No. 1 again this year, led by senior all-around favorite Kelsi Vomacka.

Jen Harmoning, the coach of No. 2-ranked Becker, believes Perham is beatable -- maybe.